Athena Desai, a visionary holistic trauma specialist, takes us on an enlightening journey through the integration of Eastern medicine, life coaching, and creative expression to facilitate healing. From her personal transition from broadcast journalism to holistic healing, inspired by her own health challenges and Eastern philosophical roots, Athena shares transformative insights. Listen as she reveals the profound impact of trauma on both mental and physical health and the compelling role of practices like yoga and mindfulness, especially for veterans and first responders. Athena’s story is one of resilience and innovation, offering nontraditional healing through acupuncture and trauma-informed yoga.

Spirituality and self-awareness emerge as powerful allies in the journey from trauma to healing. Athena describes how cultural influences shape our sense of agency and how finding a spiritual connection can offer peace and perspective. Her work underscores the importance of listening to our bodies and seeking balance, particularly for those in trauma-exposed professions. Athena's dedication to integrating ancient wisdom with modern practices highlights breathing as a universal tool for managing stress and making sound decisions, offering veterans and first responders a path to clarity and self-discovery.

We explore the unique challenges faced by veterans and the compounded traumas they endure. Athena emphasizes the need for societal support and understanding, advocating for creative and nontraditional healing strategies. She also highlights the journey of authenticity and overcoming imposter syndrome, encouraging individuals to embrace their true selves. Experience Athena’s passion and commitment to fostering a safe space for healing and growth, inviting listeners to reconsider their approach to trauma recovery and the potential of holistic practices.

Athena’s IG: https://www.instagram.com/soulfulhealingandcouncil?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Athena’s Website: https://www.soulfulhealingandcouncil.com

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What does it take to balance the demands of a first responder with the entrepreneurial spirit of a media mogul? Join us as Jermol Edwards shares his inspiring journey from New Jersey roots to a multifaceted life as a firefighter, Air Force veteran, and visionary entrepreneur. Listen as Jermol recounts his compelling story of honoring his late grandfather through his military service and how a choice at a recruiting office set him on an unexpected path. Through candid reflections, we explore the transformative power of military discipline and resilience, alongside the intense camaraderie amongst servicemen that shaped Jermol's character and leadership.

Ever wondered about the emotional toll of being a firefighter? Jermol provides an intimate look at the stark realities of firefighting, detailing the adrenaline of battling flames while confronting the emotional weight of emergency response. His stories highlight the impact of trauma on first responders and the necessity for mental health support. From heart-wrenching rescues to the emotional challenges of desensitization, Jermol's experiences underscore the importance of peer connections and resilience, painting a vivid picture of the sacrifices and rewards in this noble profession.

Beyond the firehouse, Jermol’s entrepreneurial ventures with 24 Media showcase his dedication to impactful content creation. As we explore his balancing act between firefighting and fostering a media empire, Jamal offers invaluable insights on structuring productivity without burning out. Tune in to hear his strategic vision for podcasting, from supporting diverse podcasters to aspirations of building a school for budding content creators. This episode promises heartfelt and passionate discussions on authenticity, connection, and the pursuit of meaningful interactions both in personal life and through the creative lens.

Jermol's IG: https://www.instagram.com/spreadjerms?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

Give Us a Shot Network: TIKTOK.com/giveusashotnetwork

Give Us a Shot YT: Youtube.com/GiveUsAShotNetwork 

Website: www.giveusashot.network

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Discover the transformative power of mentorship with insights from Dr. Deborah Heiser, founder and CEO of the Mentor Project. Join us as we uncover how mentorship can significantly enhance personal growth and happiness, especially during midlife, by addressing emotional development and civic engagement. Deborah, an applied developmental psychologist, sheds light on the barriers to embracing mentorship, such as imposter syndrome and societal pressures, while highlighting the profound impact mentors have in encouraging a culture of giving back.

Hear compelling stories that illustrate how mentorship can break cycles of limitation, particularly for those from challenging backgrounds, such as military members and individuals from less privileged families. By sharing personal experiences, including how a college professor changed an academic path, we emphasize the qualities that make mentorship effective—support, honesty, and trust. We explore the parallels between mentorship and friendship, urging listeners to pursue diverse mentoring relationships for a richer perspective on life.

This episode offers practical advice on finding the right mentor-mentee fit, stressing the importance of setting goals and understanding the distinction between mentorship and coaching. Deborah shares insights from her book, "The Mentorship Edge," providing guidance for those seeking to become or find effective mentors. Explore how mentorship plays a crucial role in transitional life phases, like moving from military to civilian life, opening up new possibilities and helping individuals discover unrealized goals. Stay engaged and informed as we highlight the significant impact mentorship can have across all stages of life.

Dr. Deborah Heisen's Website: http://www.mentorproject.org/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/deborah_heisertmp?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

The Mentor Project Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TheMentorProject?mibextid=LQQJ4d

Twitter (X): https://x.com/deborahheiser?s=21&t=CVSsNl1bF_SdbXJ6Ez3rBA

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@thementorproject7965?si=QWiXyoSMvx1oa9TQ

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-heiser-phd?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app

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What inspires someone to risk everything for a fellow human being? On this special Veterans Day episode, we honor Eugene A. Obregon, a remarkable young Marine from Los Angeles who faced this profound question and answered it with unparalleled valor. Listen to the incredible story of how Eugene, on a harrowing day in September 1950 during the Korean War, shielded a wounded comrade from enemy fire, sacrificing his own life. This act of heroism earned him the prestigious Medal of Honor and left an indelible mark on those who cherish courage and selflessness.

Through Eugene's moving tale, we reflect on the enduring impact of his sacrifice, commemorated by memorials such as the Eugene A. Obregon Memorial Interchange in Los Angeles. His legacy is a beacon of inspiration, reminding us of the countless men and women in the armed forces who have given so much. Join us in celebrating not just Eugene's bravery, but also the sacrifices of military families and veterans everywhere. May his story, and those of others like him, inspire us to honor the spirit of service every single day.

References: 
https://www.dvidshub.net/video/296811/pacific-hero-eugene-obregon-kw60
https://www.dvidshub.net/search/?q=Eugene+A.+Obregon&filter%5Btype%5D=video&view=grid&sort=publishdate

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Join us for an inspiring conversation with Ken Kunken, whose journey from overcoming a life-altering injury to thriving as a district attorney is nothing short of remarkable. At 20, Ken faced an immense challenge when he became a quadriplegic, yet he didn't let this deter him from pursuing his dreams. Through sheer resilience and a refusal to accept societal limitations, Ken returned to college in the 1970s, navigated an inaccessible campus, and eventually earned a law degree, proving skeptics wrong. His story is a testament to determination and an inspiring example for anyone facing their own obstacles.

Ken's professional achievements are equally impressive, having been inducted into a mentoring Hall of Fame and leaving a lasting impact on the education system for individuals with disabilities. Listen as Ken shares his most challenging experiences following his injury and emphasizes the importance of maintaining high expectations for oneself and others. He also opens up about his unique love story with Anna, highlighting how personal connections and mentorship have played a vital role in his journey. Ken's narrative serves as a powerful reminder of the potential within everyone, regardless of their circumstances.

In addition to his professional successes, Ken's personal life is filled with passion and dedication. He speaks about his role as a husband and father and finds joy in nature and spending time with his children. With a penchant for football, particularly as a New York Jets fan, Ken shares his excitement for the sport and the lessons it has taught him. His work with the Viscardi Center further exemplifies his commitment to empowering individuals with disabilities. As we wrap up, Ken leaves us with a message of empowerment and advocacy, encouraging listeners to connect with him through the links provided in the show notes:

Main Website: https://kenkunken.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Ken-Kunken/61566473121422/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdUUa2hyQF8ubUmEARY9WKA
IG: https://www.instagram.com/ken.kunken/
LInkdIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kenneth-j-kunken-b4b0a9a8/


Link for listeners: https://kenkunken.com/

“I Dream of Things That Never Were: The Ken Kunken Story,” published in 2023.
If anyone is interested in purchasing the book from outside the US or Canada, the Kindle version is available through Amazon.com (the US version, not the regional like Amazon.eu or .pl). Here is the link:
https://a.co/d/1t1UWIN

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Unlock the secrets to a seamless military-to-civilian career transition with insights from KP, the dynamic host of the Morning Formation podcast. Learn about his compelling journey from military service to civilian employment and the hard lessons he learned about the importance of strategic career planning. KP shares the pitfalls of relying solely on military accolades and advanced degrees, emphasizing the need for humility, thorough preparation, and the ability to translate military experience into civilian terms. 

Struggling with imposter syndrome? You're not alone. In this episode, we tackle the pervasive challenge of self-doubt that many veterans face during their transition. KP and our team discuss the delicate balance between humility and self-advocacy in job searches. Discover strategies for recognizing your value, effectively communicating your military experiences, and the importance of rehearsing your narrative to resonate with civilian employers. We also critique the shortcomings of military transition programs like TAPS and highlight the necessity of a well-thought-out plan.

Finally, we stress the value of early and strategic preparation to ensure a successful transition from military to civilian life. Through personal anecdotes, KP underscores the stressors of having a fixed end date and the challenge of securing multiple job offers. We discuss how to set realistic expectations, align career goals, and be flexible with initial career choices to alleviate stress. Our goal is to motivate you to take your transition seriously and set yourself up for long-term career success. Join us for actionable advice and insights that can pave the way for a smooth and successful career transition.

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What happens when a dedicated Air Force member’s career is abruptly altered by an unexpected illness? Join us as we sit down with Autumn, a former RPA sensor operator, who bravely recounts her journey from enlisting straight out of high school to facing a medical retirement after contracting COVID-19. Autumn’s story is one of resilience as she navigates multiple asthma attacks, hospitalizations, and a divorce, all while transitioning back to civilian life. With unwavering support from her family, particularly her parents, she moved back to Texas to regain stability and focus on her health, highlighting the critical role of a strong support system during challenging times.

Ever wondered how veterans cope with backlash and misconceptions about their service? Autumn opens up about her experiences sharing her personal story on social media, confronting negative feedback, and finding solace in a supportive community. As we dissect civilian opinions on military matters, Autumn’s insights emphasize the importance of veterans authentically telling their stories. She also shares invaluable advice for young adults considering a military career, stressing the necessity of investing in oneself through education and personal development, despite the hardships encountered.

Financial literacy, self-investment, and therapy are pivotal in Autumn’s post-military journey. She candidly discusses the difficulties of translating military experience into civilian terms during job interviews and the essential role of better transition programs. Autumn’s move to the University of Texas at Austin to pursue a degree in psychology and her aspirations in child therapy or military mental health serve as an inspiration. Her story underscores the importance of embracing new life chapters and viewing transitions positively, no matter the age or circumstances. Join us for a heartfelt conversation that offers hope and practical advice for those navigating similar paths.

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Imagine the life of a former Army Black Hawk pilot who faced immense pressure and severe anxiety, leading to a life-altering panic attack. In this episode, we have the privilege of hearing from Sarah Moore, who poignantly shares her journey from post-9/11 enlistee to aviation officer, and how the intensity of military life steered her toward advocating for mental health. Sarah reveals the prevalent unhealthy coping mechanisms in the military, such as excessive drinking and lack of sleep, and explains how these experiences fueled her mission to support other veterans through her business, Blue Side Yoga.

As the only female service member in her family during wartime, Sarah offers a unique perspective on the emotional and physical struggles faced by military families. She discusses the challenges of transitioning back to civilian life, dealing with PTSD, and managing post-deployment pain, as well as her journey from military service to federal law enforcement. This profound realization of the need for mental health resources led to the creation of Blue Side Yoga, a program aimed at helping veterans scientifically understand and manage stress. Sarah emphasizes the importance of reintegrating into family life and finding a sense of home again.

We also explore the transformative power of yoga and meditation for veterans and first responders, with Sarah recounting how a neurosurgeon's recommendation sparked her personal journey with yoga. From overcoming common misconceptions to understanding the mind-body connection, Sarah highlights the mental and physical benefits of yoga.

We introduce innovative virtual training programs like the "Warrior Mindset" and "Mountain Athlete" courses, designed to prepare participants for mental and physical challenges. The episode culminates with an exciting 12-week program that includes a trek in Nepal, aimed at fostering mental fitness and holistic healing. Join us for an episode packed with invaluable insights and actionable advice on mental health and well-being.

All links and socials we discussed (includes links to the free warrior mindset workbook): https://www.bluesideyoga.com/links

Discounts available for 2024 Annapurna Base Camp Trek - $100 off for you and $100 off for a friend to come on our 2024 Annapurna Base Camp Trek. Join Team Annapurna here: https://sarah-moore-1bdc.mykajabi.com/annapurna-base-camp-trek-copy-1

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